Taking the fight for a cystic fibrosis cure to the public
By Dave Mast
February 3, 2014
438
How can you put a value on curing a disease?
You cant, but the public plays a big role in the effort to do so when it comes to cystic fibrosis (CF).
The public is invited to find out where CF research is gaining ground on the disease, as well as to hear from one local family who is finding hope in a new drug to combat CF, during the Holmes County Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Dinner and Auction.
The event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek at 6 p.m., with dinner beginning at 6:30. The event will conclude by 9 p.m., but the time in between will focus on a journey of hope during a time of fellowship that will raise money for a very worthy cause, with all of the evenings proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundations research.
Mitchell Drumm, Ph.D. will head the list of distinguished guest speakers for the evening. Drumm is professor and vice chair of research, Department of Pediatrics, at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and also holds a professorship in genetics at the same institution.
While Drumm will extol the value of recent research developments, the Monroe Mast family, along with daughter Mary Beth who suffers from CF, will share their experiences of dealing with the disease and talk about how they have benefitted from one of the latest research studies.
Dr. Drumm is one of the leaders in research and advancements in CF, so that should be exciting to hear about the new strides CF research is currently making, said Paul Miller, coordinator of the event. The Millers have a touching story of going through their daily life dealing with CF, and they have experienced some really super results so far from a new drug. It should be a very interesting night.
Miller said that the CF dinner has taken place twice before, the second about five years ago, the first four years before that.
The idea of the event is to simply connect the public with what is going on in development and research of CF drugs, as the medical world works at finding a cure that will eliminate the disease for good.
In addition to the keynote speakers, the evening will be highlighted by a dinner and live auction, and Miller said they have gone to great lengths to find some unique auction items. A gorgeous handmade mariners compass quilt in black, white and red will be on the block, as will a rag quilt with the names of CF patients embroidered into it. There will be dinners at local restaurants, overnight stays at local lodgings like Country View Homes and Ferngully, a cornhole set, bicycle, theme baskets, a hog roast, fish fry and many other great items up for auction.
We worked hard to find some really unique items that you wont find just anywhere, said Miller. We have a marble rolling piece that is really pretty unbelievable.
The dinner is $15 per person, suggested donation, with all donations being directly contributed to the Holmes County Great Strides Walk-a-thon to be held May 4. The walk supports vital research and development at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its quest for a cure and a better quality of life for those with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis relies heavily on local fundraisers like this to support research, said Miller. These kinds of things are crucial to helping to find a cure.
Seating is limited. RSVP as soon as possible to Paul Miller at 330-893-3003 or 330-231-5688.
